PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — When it comes to moving the crowd, Duiji Mshinda has a gift for digging in the vinyl crates and unifying strangers through music.
Mshinda is a professional DJ and founder of Vinyl Tap 215, a group of DJs who spin at coffee houses, stores and anywhere folks want to gather to appreciate the true, raw entertainment of good old-fashioned vinyl.
He said the group is a form of mental health support, fellowship and connection.
“As a DJ, it’s not necessarily the set that you play. It’s more about the conversations that you have when you’re not playing your records,” he explained.
Music is the great unifier, and the sets are safe spaces for all — straight, LGBTQ, all nationalities, ages and backgrounds. Mshinda said it’s best to leave your issues, attitudes and privileges at the door.
“I don’t have space or tolerance for overt misogyny,” he added. “I don’t have space or tolerance for overt homophobia or transphobia.”
His love of music and records comes from his late mother, who is his greatest inspiration.
“She would have little gatherings,” he remembered. “I would see the joy that people would experience in the comfort of the living room, from just like, ‘Oh, you got that Denise Williams girl?’”
Mshinda is grateful for where he is in life now. When he lost his mother, he dropped out of college and often had to look for a warm place to sleep.
He looks forward to what is in store next.
“Every step that I’ve taken in his vocation of sharing love through music, connecting with people has been blessed,” he added.
During Black History Month, KYW Newsradio’s GameChangers honors 10 individuals or organizations that have made a significant, positive impact in communities of color in the greater Philadelphia region. KYW community affairs reporter Racquel Williams will host an evening honoring this year’s awardees on Feb. 22. View the 2023 honorees here.